Danks pleased with younger brother's progress at Charlotte

July 16, 2011|By Mark Gonzales | Tribune reporter

DETROIT -- One of John Danks' perks while pitching for Triple-A Charlotte during a minor league rehabilitation assignment was playing with younger brother Jordan, who is regarded as the best defensive outfielder in the Sox's minor league system.

“It was cool," said Danks, one day after pitching six shutout innings against Louisville in his second rehab start. Danks, recovering from a right oblique strain, is scheduled to start Wednesday at Kansas City.

"I knew how good he was out there, and everyone is talking about how good he was. You like it more when he’s making plays behind you. He made a couple great plays last night that I didn’t think he had a chance at.

"It’s a fun deal to get to play with my brother. It’s been very publicized we’re a close family and it’s definitely a thrill for my parents and for both of us to play together.”

Jordan Danks is batting .257 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs, but his older brother wouldn't say whether Jordan was close to reaching the majors.

”I’m not a good evaluator, but I think he’s playing great," John Danks said. "He’s definitely made a lot of improvements offensively from last year to this year, so it’s pretty well known his defense is great. But he needs to get more consistent offensively and he knows that. It seems, to this point, he’s making a nice stride forward.”

As for John Danks, he declared himself ready to rejoin the Sox.

“Judging how I was throwing last night, I felt like I was throwing like I was before I got hurt," said Danks, who suffered the injury on June 26. "It’s a good sign."